France Tables €2 Charge on Small Non‑EU Parcels in 2026 Budget

Overview

• Article 22 of the finance bill proposes a €2 levy per low‑value parcel shipped by sellers outside the EU, targeting flows via the simplified H7 customs channel.
• The government signals a possible start on January 1, though the measure still requires parliamentary approval.
• Official budget documents project €500 million in 2026 revenue, while some outlets cite estimates of about €1.6 billion per year.
• The European Commission previously viewed a similar national approach as incompatible with EU law, creating legal risk for a unilateral rollout.
• Logistics groups and retailers warn of new IT and handling costs and expect many platforms to pass charges to customers, with some low‑cost items facing fees that could exceed their price.